A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Intimate Partner Violence: A Qualitative Study of the Perpetrators’ Experiences

Abstract

High-risk perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) have high drop-out rates from treatment and frequently recidivate into violence towards the partner, despite efforts by services to help the person to change their behavior. The current body of scientific evidence is still too small to conclude about the effectiveness of perpetrator interventions in ending violence. There is a growing interest among researchers and agencies in exploring multi-disciplinary approaches to IPV. In accordance with this, it is essential to ask high-risk perpetrators of IPV about their needs in order to stop acting violently. Hence, the aim of this study was to explore the perpetrators’ perspectives on the violence risk-reducing interventions implemented by the police and the health- and social services. We conducted 13 semi-structured, individual interviews with high-risk perpetrators of IPV (11 male) who were referred to a multidisciplinary treatment team. The interviews were analyzed according to the Systematic Text Condensation method. Most of the participants experienced a critical period after being reported to the police, with feelings of being left alone in a state of practical and emotional distress without sufficient support. Further, they elaborated on their experiences of receiving help and support from the early onset multidisciplinary team. They emphasized the experience of being met with a holistic approach and regarded as a human being with anger problems rather than just a perpetrator. Finally, they identified their treatment needs in order to desist violence, and highlighted the importance of early and easily accessible support after the actual offence. The findings highlight the necessity of providing hope and easy access to immediate and multi-disciplinary interventions in order to prevent recurrent IPV. The police as well as the health- and social services have a unique opportunity to act in a manner that may reduce the risk of repeated IPV.